Patrick Swayze's (†57) tragic family history

It was a huge shock for fans worldwide when the talented actor and singer Patrick Swayze died at just fifty-seven in 2009. The Dirty Dancing star died after a twenty-month battle against pancreatic cancer. Patrick Swayze was stronger than most fans ever knew however, having learned to cope with heavy blows of fate from a young age. He never once lost his smile though!

Patrick Swayze (†57) won the hearts of ladies everywhere starring in the cult film Dirty Dancing. He not only made Baby (Jennifer Grey, 58) feel hot under the collar as Johnny, but cinema audiences as well. The 1987 film was a huge success and Swayze was even nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance.

Patrick Swayze's sister committed suicide

Patrick Swayze's sister Vicky died of an overdose in 1994, giving him a huge wake-up call and he decided to check himself into rehab. It was a great success and Swayze did not touch a drop of alcohol from then onwards. His wife Lisa Niemi (62) was his rock. They got married in 1975 and she recently declared her love for the late actor on Twitter, posting this moving statement, "Celebrating Patrick's B'day today. He was so full of adventure & unafraid to embrace life. And always ready to take chances! He was never going to live in the shadows. He was a bright light, so bright that it still dazzles! Love you, always, & forever, my darling man".

Celebrating Patrick's B'day today. He was so full of adventure & unafraid to embrace life. And always ready to take chances! He was never going to live in the shadows. He was a bright light, so bright that it still dazzles! Love you, always, & forever, my darling man. pic.twitter.com/JVtv9fWDym